COLERAINE V GLENAVON A LOOK AHEAD

On Saturday 27th January 2024 Glenavon travels to the Ballycastle Road Showgrounds to face Oran Kearney’s Coleraine in its next Sports Direct Premiership fixture.

The Bannsiders have had a series of disappointing defeats, including home reverses against Dungannon Swifts (2-3), Loughgall (1-3) and Carrick Rangers (0-2). Nonetheless, they remain a formidable outfit. Goalkeeper Rory Brown, midfielder Jack Scott and striker Jamie McGonigle have all put pen to paper in the last few weeks. Top scorer Matthew Shevlin has returned after a lengthy spell on the sidelines due to injury.

Glenavon boss Stephen McDonnell expects a difficult 90 minutes. “Regardless of results, Coleraine is a quality side with some excellent players,” he said. “Although confidence might be low, they will be determined to turn things around. Bad runs of form do not go on forever. We are preparing for and fully expecting a tough game. We will need to be at our best to win it.”

The Blues’ manager, when asked why the team’s recent form away from Mourneview has been much better than at home, confessed that he is at a loss to provide an answer. “We have probably faced tougher opponents on our own patch,” he continued. “That might be part of the explanation. Of course, it doesn’t account for the results against Ballymena United and Portadown. Sometimes things happen this way. The important thing, going forward, is that we improve when we are at Mourneview and continue to do well away from home.”

Glenavon won 3-2 on its last visit to the Ballycastle Road Showgrounds in early December 2023. Stephen does not see that result as having any relevance to this weekend’s fixture. “Both teams have added players,” he said. ”That match was played, in football terms, a long time ago. Winning perhaps give us some courage and confidence but it really will be all about who performs best on the day.”

McDonnell reports that Danny Wallace will miss the trip to the North Coast due to suspension. Aaron Prendergast, with a knee injury, is also unlikely to play. However, Sean Ward should be available. “Mark Haughey is also now back in contention,” he continued. “Aaron Rogers is making good progress and should be back soon. Conor McCloskey hopes to begin running next week.”

Other Glenavon teams in action this weekend:

(Free Admission to all games)

• Monday 29th January 2024 – Glentoran Seconds v Glenavon Reserves, Ashfield Boys’ School 3G, 1945 k.o.
• Friday 26th January 2024 – Loughgall U-18s v Glenavon U-18s, Lakeview Park, 2000 k.o.
• Saturday 27th January 2024 – Cliftonville U-16s v Glenavon U-16s, Crumlin Leisure Centre, Pitch 1, 1130 k.o.
• Saturday 27th January 2024 – Ballymena United U-14s v Glenavon U-14s, Allen Park 3G, Pitch 1, 0930 k.o.